Cue for Treason

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Transcript of Cue for Treason

By: Nyan Flannigan Cue for Treason Conflict The best example of person vs. person conflict, in Cue for Treason is between Peter and Sir Philip Morton. It all starts when Peter throws a rock at Sir Philip Morton. Philip attempts to claim the common land in Peter's home town, Cumberland. This land is shared between his neighbors, since time immemorial. This causes a rivalry between Peter and Sir Philip Morton. Throughout the novel there is ongoing exterior conflict between the two. Sir Philip Morton chases Peter across the country to ensure he is punished for his crime. However, Peter continuously escapes, further enraging Sir Philip Morton. Person vs. Person Person vs. Self The best example of person versus nature in Cue for Treason is Peter vs. the island. Peter knocks Duncan out with a stone he finds, then Peter frays the cord with a fragment of glass so his wrists are free. Just as he manages to free him self he realizes he is just as trapped as he was before. Peter is still trapped, because thunder sounds and a great wind comes rushing down the lake. The rain begins to pour as the storm causes the water to churn violently. This situation is impossible for any swimmer to cross the lake. Peter is trapped on the island due to nature. Peter must leave before Sir Philip Morton and his men reach the island! However, Peter waits out the storm, and manages to complete his tiresome swim to reach the main land. Person vs. Nature The best example of person versus society conflict in Cue for Treason is Kit vs. society. During the time period when Cue for Treason was written, women did not have the same rights as men. Since women could not act in any of the plays, men had to take their place. Kit had to keep her identity hidden and pretend she was a boy, so she could act in the plays, and be respected by society. Therefore, Kit is in conflict with society and their one sided views on women's rights. Person vs. Society GreatestEscapes The best example of Person versus self in Cue for Treason is when Peter is trapped in the peel tower's stairwell leading down into the cellar. Mr. Anthony Duncan and his accomplice prevent Peter from escaping. This situation forces Peter to make a quick decision. He can either make a dash for it by shooting one man with his pistol, or he can silently climb into the cellar in hopes of not being detected. Peter solves this interior conflict by making a quick decision to retreat to the cellar. Unfortunately, his decision proves to be unwise, for Peter slips on the stair and knocks himself out while making a terrible amount of noise. 1- Peter's Island Escape The escape I consider most spectacular in Cue for Treason is when Peter escapes from the island. Peter is held captive by Anthony Duncan on an isolated island. Peter needs to get away, so he smashes a wine bottle and severs the cord that binds his ankles, with the broken fragments. While Duncan is gathering wood, Peter retrieves a rock with his feet then grasps it with both hands. Peter then, walks behind Duncan and forces the rock down onto his skull. Peter manages to knock Duncan out. Peter frees his hands by fraying the cord with the same rock he used to knock Duncan out. Once Peter is free, he waits for the short violent storm to pass, then he swims across the lake to the main land. 2-Escape From Mr.Armthwaite's House The escape from Mr.Armthwaite’s house is the second most spectacular escape. Peter and Kit report the plot to assassinate the queen, to Mr.Armthwaite. Kit recognizes Mr.Armthwaite from when he dined at her guardian’s house. Kit knows he is acquainted with Sir Philip Morton because she watches them talk at diner. Kit knows he is lying when Mr.Armthwaite claims not to know Sir Philip Morton. Kit sees Mr.Armthwaite reach for the bell, so she threatens him with her pistol. Peter then takes the pistol and points it at Mr.Armthwaite, so Kit can climb through the window and retrieve the horses. Kit and Peter decide to take Mr.Armthwaite’s roan gelding and black mare, for they can out run the two horses they acquired beforehand. Kit and Peter then, gallop through the town and head south toward England on their new beauty horses. This escape uses situational irony. The reader does not expect the two teenagers to take the horses, from the man who is trying to have them captured. The situational irony adds suspense to the escape further creating a spectacular event. 3-Escape From the Yellow Gentleman's House The third most spectacular escape in Cue for Treason, is the escape form the house of Sir David Vicars, The Yellow Gentleman. Peter must steel back his script from The Yellow Gentleman because Peter believes him to be a play pirate. Both Peter and Kit must work together to complete their undertaking. The pair shows stealth, intelligence, skill and precision. Peter and Kit manage to carry out their plan efficiently with little issue. Kit distracts Sir David Vicars and his partner in a creative manor. Kit knocks on the house door and distracts Sir David Vicars and his partner with a tall tale. Kit convinces them she was attacked by a cutpurse in the lane outside. While Kit is distracting Peter, Peter climbs the house wall and slips into the bedroom window. Peter takes his script and retreats. On the way down the wall, Peter knocks one of his daggers, he was using to climb the wall, into the water. The splash the dagger makes draws Sir David Vicars’ attention to Peter. Peter thinks quickly then pretends to be two love birds rowing down the Thames, who have stopped to do a little billing and cooing. The Yellow Gentleman believes him and chastises him for being under his window. Peter and Kit escape without The Yellow Gentleman realizing they were there, thus making this a most spectacular escape. 4-Coffin Escape The fourth most spectacular escape in the novel Cue for Treason, is when Peter escapes Sir Philip Morton in a coffin. When Peter attends the play, ‘King Richard the Third’, he meets someone he is not expecting to see. Peter meets his archenemy Sir Philip Morton! Peter scans the surrounding area in hopes of an exit, but much to his dismay he finds himself trapped much like a fox on a ledge. The only way out is a long shot. Peter spots a staircase that might just be the key to his escape! It is too late Sir Philip Morton is closing in. Peter makes a drastic decision to run through the curtained doorway at the end of the gallery. Sir Philip Morton recognizes him. Philip orders his men to stop Peter. Peter runs into another hallway but the only way out is back into the room Philip is in. Peter is trapped, however, he has one last desperate chance. Peter takes it, for his life depends on it. Peter conceals himself in a large narrow stage prop, which turns out to be a coffin! Not only is this utterly ironic but it seems to do the trick. Sir Philip Morton and his men could not find Peter. Peter is safe once again. 5-Rock Escape The fifth greatest escape in Cue for Treason, is when Peter throws a rock at Sir Philip Morton. Peter’s family and his neighbours are hard at work tearing down Sir Philip’s unjust wall. Peter is on the lookout for Philip but he does not notice Sir Philip until he is at a close range. Everyone clears out. As Peter is running away, he throws a rock at Sir Philip Morton, adding the kindling to Peter and Sir Philip’s bonfire of vendetta. Peter drops his hat before he leaves. The next day the Constable and Sir Philip Morton show up at Peter’s schoolhouse with his hat. Peter knows this can mean nothing but bad news, so he runs back home and tells his dad. Peter’s dad says Peter should leave town until everything blows over. Peter makes his goodbyes and hastily packs. Peter escapes Sir Philip Morton but at a cost, he leaves his home town, Cumberland. Courageous Acts Villains Kit + Peter: Stealing Peter's Script Back From The Yellow Gentleman The most courageous act in Cue for Treason is when Peter and Kit take back Peter’s stolen script. Peter lends his play script ‘King Henry the Fifth’ to a man who appears to be a fellow play lover. The man turns out to be Sir David Vicars, and he needs the play to help plan out the Queens murder. Peter does not know Sir David Vicars’ plans. Peter believes Sir David Vicars is a play pirate. Precisely at eight, Kit knocks on the door to distract Sir David Vicars and his partner. She needs courage to distract them. Kit must think quickly on her feet to make the two men believe her. For most people that would be hard. While Kit distracts Sir David Vicars and his partner, Peter must climb to the second story window of the house. Peter has to use daggers for the first ten feet, “Each time I put my weight on a fresh dagger, my heart went into my mouth” (Trease 132). Peter then must enter the house and search for his script. Each second inside increases the chance of Sir David Vicars return. Peter finds the script, then leaves the room back the way he came. Peter must for the second time descend down a two story wall relying on poorly implanted daggers. Peter has a huge amount of courage to climb the house wall and search for his script in one of his enemy’s houses, thus making this the most courageous act. Peter Brownrigg:Trying to Rescue Tom Boyd The next most courageous act, is when Peter finds out Tom Boyd is still in the peel tower. Tom is looking for clues in regards to the queen’s murder. Kit goes on the lookout, while Peter runs back to the tower. Peter finds the door slightly ajar, and he creeps in and begins to search the enormous house for his associate. When Peter and Kit are near the tower, they are both in danger of detection. Unfortunately, Peter is found by Sir Philip Morton’s men, but not before he overhears some of their plans. Subjecting yourself to detection to find a friend takes a great amount of courage. Kit and Peter could have being killed if found, therefore making this a courageous act. The third most courageous act in Cue for Treason, features Kit Kirkstone. Kit runs away from her guardian, because he arranges a marriage with a man who is only interested in her money and estate. During the era Cue for Treason took place, women did not have the same rights as men. Kit dresses up as a boy, so she can become an actor. Kit trails Peter and decides to join him in the theater company. I consider this a most courageous act because if Kit’s true identity is discovered she will have to go back to her guardian and marry a man she does not love. Kit will also have to face her guardian’s wrath. Kit chooses the hard way and this takes courage. Peter Brownrigg:Leaving Home The fourth most courageous act in Cue for Treason, is when Peter Brownrigg leaves his home. All his life Peter has lived in Cumberland, and for fourteen years he has called his farm in Lonsdale home. Peter faces a difficult decision when his life is threatened. Peter decides to leave his home to escape the consequences for his actions. This decision requires courage because Peter has to abandon his family and travel to a land he has never been. Peter must go from a place he knows like the back of his hand to a land which is foreign to him. Peter Acting As Juliet The last, but certainly not least, most courageous act in Cue for Treason, is when Peter Brownrigg plays Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet. Kit leaves the theater, when she sees Sir Philip Morton in the audience. Coincidentally he is the man she is intended to marry. Kit would easily be recognized as ‘Katharine Russell’ in her Juliet costume. Peter then takes her place. Peter has to act directly in front of his archenemy and pray he does not recognize him. Peter also has to match Kit’s reputation. The audience is expecting an amazingly talented Juliet! Peter was very courageous to go out on stage and act out a challenging part with demanding expectations. Sir Philip Morton Sir Philip Morton is the most evil villain in Cue for Treason. Sir Philip Morton deserves the title ‘villain’ because he is the leader of the men trying to assassinate Queen Elizabeth the first. He has an evil heart, and he wants to throw the country into anarchy. Sir Philip Morton has no hesitation to torture teenage boys to acquire information. Sir Philip will also use his future wife to obtain land and riches. Sir Philip Morton does all this with little remorse, making him truly the most evil character in this novel. Sir David Vicars Sir David Vicars is the second most villainous character in the novel Cue for Treason. Sir David Vicars deserves the title ‘villain’ because he is Sir Philip Morton’s right hand man. Sir David Vicars helps bring together the Queens murder plan. Sir David Vicars does not create the plan, but he plays a major role in the disloyal act. Sir David Vicars manipulates Peter into giving him the play script, and he is very deceiving and has an malicious heart. Mr.Armthwaite Mr.Armthwaite is the third most villainous character in the novel Cue for Treason. Mr.Armthwaite deserves the title ‘villain’ because he is part of Sir Philip Morton’s crew. Mr.Armthwaite is part of the plan to force the country into anarchy. Mr.Armthwaite is also a fraud impersonating a loyal magistrate. However in reality, he is not keeping order and law in Cumberland, he is destroying it! Mr.Armthwaite is a two faced evil man who will betray his own people and country for something as little as material gain. Kit Kirkstone's Courageous Act Additional Characters Mr.Desmond Besides Peter and Kit, Mr.Desmond is the most heroic character in this novel. Mr.Desmond deserves the title ‘hero’ because he is a kind soul who would give you the shirt off his back. Mr.Desmond is a good friend of Peter and Kit, he gives them a job in his small theater company. When the company splits up Mr.Desomnd gives Peter and Kit a ride to London. Mr.Desmond is such a kind soul, because he does not hesitate to help Peter and Kit. When Sir Philip Morton and his men are chasing Peter and Kit, Mr.Desmond willingly volunteers all his resources to aid Peter and Kit. This act alone makes Mr.Desomnt a most heroic character. Tom Boyd Tom Boyd is the second most heroic character in Cue for Treason. Tom Boyd works for the Secret Service of the Queen. Given his occupation he is one heroic man. Tom Boyd puts his life on the line for each mission he takes part in. Tom Boyd helps Peter and Kit investigate the Queen’s murder plan, and he searches Sir Philip Morton’s Peel tower for clues on the treasonous act. Tom Boyd unfortunately was never seen again after he entered the tower. Tom died a heroic death by trying to protect his Queen and country. Tom Boyd is a truly heroic man. Mr.Brownrigg Peter’s Dad is the third most heroic character in the novel Cue for Treason. Mr.Brownrigg fights for what is right with little fear of self-harm. This characteristic helps define Mr.Brownrigg as a heroic figure. Mr.Browrnigg shelters Peter and Kit from Sir Philip Morton, he defends his land, and holds off Sir Philip so Peter and Kit can escape. Mr.Brownrigg’s willingness to put his own neck on the line for Peter and Kit is truly a heroic act. Historical Characters William Shakespeare Sir Francis Bacon Queen Elizabeth I Sir Robert Cecil William Shakespeare was born in April, 1564. His birthday is estimated to be on the 23rd. Shakespeare died on the 23rd of April 1616, therefore he was 52 years old when he died. William Shakespeare wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets through the course of his life. William Shakespeare worked at the Globe Theater with his play company, Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later renamed The King’s Men. Shakespeare had a unique vocabulary. Many of the words he used were added to the dictionary. Queen Elizabeth I was born on September the 7th, and she died at the age of 70 on March 24th 1603. Queen Elizabeth I was coroneted on November the 17th 1558. She was 25 when she took the crown. During Queen Elizabeth I's rule, she established the English Protestant Church. Queen Elizabeth I could speak several languages and she was a gifted scholar. Her many languages included, English, Latin, Greek, French, Spanish and Welsh. Sir Robert Cecil was born around June 1st 1563 and he died on May 24th 1612. He was 49 years old when he died. Sir Robert Cecil was the secretary of state. One of his first cousins was Sir Francis Bacon. Sir Robert Cecil was a spy master for King James. Sir Robert Cecil was the chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1601-1612. Sir Francis Bacon was born in 1561 on the 22nd of January. Sir Francis Bacon died on April 9th 1626, at the age of 65. Sir Francis Bacon worked as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England. Sir Francis Bacon was knighted in 1603. Sir Francis Bacon researched and promoted inductive procedures for scientific inquiry. Themes The theme, ‘It is important to help others despite risk to yourself’ is illustrated in the novel when Peter and Kit help Mr.Desmond when they attempt to cross the river. On Peter, Kit, Mr. and Mrs. Desmond’s way to London England, they encounter a difficult obstacle. The small party comes across a traffic jam on a minor bridge crossing over a tributary to the Thames River. The group decide to try the old ford near the bridge. As Mr.Desmond and Peter’s horse is crossing the river, the current sweeps them away. Peter swims after Mr.Desmond, and later Kit joins them and the two teens pull their friend out of the water. Peter and Kit help Mr.Desmond despite the risk to themselves. All three of the characters could have drown. This act was important because it saved Mr.Desomnd’s life and in turn Mr.Desmond saves Peter and Kit’s life later in the novel. The theme 'Bravery, noble ideas and heroism inspire us and raises our spirits' is illustrated in Cue for Treason, when Kit returns to Peter, when he is held captive by the virgin miners. Kit chooses to help Peter instead of obeying orders and leaving him to find help. Kit urges the horse towards Peter, and she puts herself in a dangerous situation. Her bravery, noble idea and heroism raises our spirits and Peter’s. This brave action makes us think that there is hope and because of her unorthodox method Peter and Kit survive Redhead and his gang of misfits. The theme ‘Good always triumphs in the end’ is demonstrated in this novel when, the heroines catch the antagonist Sir Philip Morton. “Sir Philip’s wall went down even before his head under the axe” (Trease 281). This quote indicates that Sir Philip Morton was beheaded. The good triumphs over the evil in Cue for Treason. ‘The good guys’ capture and rightfully punished Sir Philip Morton for his heinous acts against humanity. Therefore, the good always triumphs in the end. Shakespeare Settings My third favorite setting in Cue for Treason is, described in chapter twenty. Peter and Kit report Sir Philip Morton’s plans to assassinate the Queen to Mr.Armthwaite. Mr.Armthwaite leads Peter and Kit into his gorgeous, grand library. “We followed him into a paneled room with rows and rows of books and a magnificent window with coats of arms in colored glass. I glanced through and saw a rose garden underneath and a peacock marching up and down like a sentinel” (Trease 228). This setting is one of my favorites because, I have always wanted a grand library. There is something majestic and lovely about rows and rows of books just waiting to be read. My favorite setting in Cue for Treason is described in chapter twenty-one. Peter and Kit are traveling on the open road to get to London, to stop the assassination of Queen Elizabeth I. “This sun, which today was sparkling so beautifully and harmlessly on blue lake and white waterfall, would gleam then on cuirass and halberd, helmet and pike-point” (Trease 238). This is my absolute favorite setting description because, it creates a vivid image in your mind of a beautiful sparkling blue lake. This setting reminds me of ‘Xel-Ha near Tulum, in Mexico. It brings back the pleasant memories and the feeling of the hot Mexican sun on my skin. My second favorite setting in Cue for Treason is the Stronghold in chapter three. Peter is escaping his home in Cumberland because Sir Philip Morton is chasing him "There was a small lake or tarn, black and bottomless, and the precipices rose all around it in the shape of a horseshoe, except on the eastern side, where the ground fell away, and a little stream came bubbling out of the tarn to join the Glendermakin River in the valley below. The Stronghold was a natural hiding-place among the giant rocks that littered the lakeside. There was one overhanging boulder." (Trease 33-34) This is my second favorite setting because there is a lot of description and the scenery is easy to imagine as you’re reading. First, I learned that in this time frame women were not allowed to act in plays. All the female parts had to be played by young boys. After the boys voice changes, and they began to grow a beard, they were given male roles. I found this aspect of the Elizabethan theater unjust, because women can act just as well as men, maybe even better! Next, I learned that Shakespeare wrote numerous plays and sonnets. He completed 38 plays, 154 sonnets, 2 long narrative poems, and many other poems. Shakespeare was quite talented, and he wrote many tragedies including, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet, as well as several comedies like A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Taming of the Shrew. Lastly, I learned that Shakespeare married a women named Anne Hathaway, tying the knot on November 27th, 1582. Shakespeare and his wife had three beautiful children named Susanna, Hamnet and Judith, Hamnet and Judith were twins. Fourthly, I learned that according to theatrical superstition, it was bad luck to say “Macbeth” out side of a theater. The play was often referred to as “The Scottish Play.” It is said that Shakespeare obtained a few of his lines from actual witches, and they cursed the play because they were greatly offended. Thirdly, I learned Shakespeare often played small roles in his own plays or other plays, like the ghost in Hamlet. Shakespeare was a member of the repertory group, Chamberlain’s Men. Although he was a much better writer then actor, he revolutionized the English stage with his genius.